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Bhutan Ride & Hike

Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is a country of vertiginous mountains steeped in traditional Buddhist culture that has made a tremendous effort to become one of the world’s only carbon-negative countries. You have a chance to bike and hike in this unique and unforgettable kingdom.

Accommodations
3+ star hotels
Group Size
22
Fundraising Commitment
$5,300
Reg Fee: $250
Trip Length in Bhutan
6 nights / 7 days
Does not include pre- and post-event stay in Bangkok.

Our Bhutan multisport event is back. We are looking forward to introducing you to Tshering Djori and his team of leaders who make this trip an incredible, educational, spiritual, and active adventure. Bhutan is a small and remote kingdom, nestled in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbors, India and China. It is a country steeped in traditional Buddhist culture. Tourism is tightly controlled and visitors to the remote kingdom encounter ancient monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and unsurpassed natural beauty.

In the 1970s, Bhutan suffered from poverty, lack of education, and high infant mortality rates. Its government looked for ways to engage with the outside world without exploiting its people and natural resources like many neighboring countries. It championed a new approach to development where prosperity is measured not by GDP, but by Gross National Happiness. Its success is measured by sustainable development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and good governance.

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As much of the world has struggled with massive environmental destruction and social inequity, this emerging democracy is attracting a lot of attention. In the last 20 years, Bhutan has doubled its life expectancy, enrolled 100% of children in school, and protected its natural beauty (three-quarters is still forested and 25% of the country is designated as national parks). It has banned export logging and encourages cycling by taxing private vehicles. The country is one of only two carbon-negative countries in the world. And healthcare and education are free of charge in Bhutan.

This great “Happiness Experiment” faces an enormous challenge – its vulnerability to climate change. Bhutan’s people are still among the poorest in the world, and they are dependent on agriculture. The country is counting on hydropower to support its careful modernization. While Bhutan has successfully protected its culture and natural resources, if the world does not take action to address climate change, this country’s efforts to place sustainable economics at the forefront of its governance could crumble.

During Climate Ride Bhutan, you will experience powerful traditions, spirituality, and breathtaking beauty. Local environmental experts will provide you with unparalleled access and understanding. You’ll experience stunning bike routes and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a country where people and the environment prosper together.

This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and your fundraising directly supports Climate Ride’s work. This includes the Bhutan Government mandated sustainable development contribution, which is US$200/person/night AKA $1200/person for the 6-night trip. This goes toward climate change mitigation programs, country healthcare, community projects, carbon offset programs and environment and education efforts/projects.

Proceeds from this event will support Climate Ride directly (no beneficiary selection for this event). Your fundraising for Climate Ride Bhutan will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young climate leaders. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot change your beneficiary selection after registering. All donations are tax-deductible.

We have full support from our Bhutanese team, and the daily cycling mileage can be adjusted to suit all types of cyclists. We will have a full day of hiking, as well. This is a fully supported ride, which means you can focus on pedaling, hiking, and making connections with your new friends while we take care of everything from overnight details, meals, snacks, luggage transport, and much more to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.

Arriving in Bangkok, Thailand. PLEASE READ.

We will have a pre-event gathering on the evening before the trip at our recommended hotel (Riva Surya) in Bangkok. The next morning, we will offer an early morning airport transfer to BKK. If you are arriving late, you can choose to stay near the airport (BKK) like the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, so that you can meet us for the group flight on April 17, 2024.

OFFICIAL MEETING TIME & PLACE – BANGKOK AIRPORT (BKK) 

We will meet up to begin our adventure at the Bangkok Airport (BKK) at the DrukAir Check-In Counter in Row W of the Main Terminal Ticketing Area. The time to meet there is 5:30 am. Important: Please arrive early so we can check in on time for our flight to Bhutan. Do not be late! We will all board the Druk Air flight together. Your travel information and tickets will be purchased by our tour operator, so DO NOT book your own travel from Bangkok to Bhutan. Druk Air is the official and only airline of Bhutan and trips must be chartered. If you miss this flight, you will miss the trip. The flight from BKK-Paro is not included. We will invoice you for your ticket.

Departing Bangkok after the event: On the last day, our flight from Paro, Bhutan returns to Bangkok at 4:10 pm. Please plan your flights for after 6pm.

What is included? Not included?

Included:

  • Government-mandated sustainable development contribution, which is $200/person/night AKA US$1200/person for the 6-night trip. This goes to climate change mitigation programs, country healthcare, community projects, carbon offset programs, and environment and education efforts/projects. Healthcare and education are free of charge in Bhutan, and it is a carbon-negative country.
  • Rental charges for the entire trip for either a Cannondale Hybrid CX3 or a Trek Hybrid bike. Group members will need to bring their own helmets and water bottles.
  • Bhutan visa fees, visa processing, and permits.
  • 3-star deluxe accommodation at government-approved and certified hotels on twin sharing basis. The hotels we use are carefully selected based on our own experience, feedback from past guests/associates, quality and cleanliness of accommodations, quality of meal options, convenience of location and beauty of area, efficiency of services, traditional ambiance/architecture, and other facilities such as wifi access.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshments/replenishments on the rides, and outdoor picnics.
  • Services of experienced, dedicated, and professional English-speaking Bhutanese leaders and bike guides (and our friends!)
  • Transport, logistics, support vehicles, and driver
  • Monument/museum entrance fees
  • All sightseeing and programs as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • As well, you will have the support of your Climate Ride logistics manager & dang good bike mechanic, Patrick Colleran!

Once you register, we will reserve your internal flight round-trip Bangkok/Paro with our group. Flights to Bhutan are limited! This flight fills up quickly, so we must book it ASAP so that you can get into the country. You cannot arrive on your own, because we shuttle directly from the airport to our ride start. It is required that you are on our group flight. You cannot change your flight to fly from another destination. Once you register, we will book your flight to Paro and invoice you for the flight. Once the flight is full, we cannot guarantee you can join the trip. We advise registering early

Not Included:

  • Roundtrip flight between Bangkok and Paro, Bhutan (estimated at $900; booked by our outfitters)
  • Optional hotel single supplement: $210 for the 6-night trip
  • Travel Insurance to cover your travel
  • Your travel to/from Bangkok
  • Your hotel in Bangkok (we have a group rate at the Riva Surya where we are offering airport transport to the Paro flight)
  • Incidentals; alcohol

Can you stay for extra days in Bhutan?

It is possible to extend your time in Bhutan after the ride, but you must book and travel with a tour operator per government regulations. You cannot travel on your own in Bhutan. You must make your plans ASAP to change your flight date from Paro to Bangkok.

Please contact the Climate Ride office for more information about extending your trip ([email protected]).

Post-trip extensions have the following costs and include government royalty/sustainable tourism tax, accommodations (3- or 3.5-star), three meals, service of Bhutan Scenic Tour Guide if desired, private transport and driver within Bhutan, monument/museum entrance fees, sightseeing, airport transfers, bottled water, visa processing, and tourism development fee. Please inquire about daily rates.

What are the travel documents/passports required?

You will need a valid U.S. or E.U. passport (valid for at least 3 months or you can be denied entry). If you are a passport holder from another country, please check your country’s regulations.

U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa.

Is my U.S. medical insurance valid while traveling outside the U.S.? Can I get travel insurance?

Many domestic health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of the United States, and, before leaving for the event travelers should speak with their healthcare providers to determine if they will be covered.  Several private insurance companies offer short-term travel medical insurance.  Check out Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, or other comparable companies.

We highly recommend travel insurance. Remember, travel insurance can only cover expenses you have paid for (flights, additional hotels, etc). It cannot cover your fundraising.

Should I extend my stay?

We think so! There is a lot to explore in Bhutan. We’ll have suggestions after you register.

Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates

This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work (no beneficiary selection for this event). Your fundraising will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young sustainability leaders. Funders trips also help to underwrite the Green Fondo events so that we can deliver 100% of proceeds to our grants program. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions.

Fundraising Deadlines:

Note: If you’d like to register after a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!

$500 to be raised by:12/12/2023
$2650 to be raised by:2/6/2024
$5300 to be raised by:3/13/2024

Transfer Deadline: There are no transfers for this event. Donations are absolutely non-refundable. Cancellations must take place 100 days before the event start date.

Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!

More Questions?

Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!

Ash Lauth
Green Fondo California

Being a Community Leader Awardee was an awesome experience. It allowed me to join a Climate Ride I wouldn’t have been able to and it gave me the opportunity to share my organization’s story with passionate people. I was able to present on the youth climate work I do for Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) in front of nearly 200 people! I met so many people afterward who wanted to connect about youth activism and organizing. Plus, I had an amazing time riding, making new friends, and dancing to the evening band. This was a great way to strengthen my relationship with Climate Ride as a fund recipient, and to represent ACE in the saddle. I can’t wait to do the Climate Ride again, and I hope next time that I can take an ACE contingent with me. It’s a life-changing experience.

Claire FitzGerald
Death Valley National Park

Climate Ride’s combination passionate people and amazing riding creates a magical community like no other. I work in the sustainability space for my job which can be tiring, and climate ride is where I come to recharge. After each ride (I’ve done four now!) I leave feeling a sense of gratitude and fulfillment for my rider buddies what we we accomplished together.

Alejandra Alvarez
Green Fondo Southern California 2023

The Green Fondo SoCal Climate Ride was a life-altering experience for me, someone who picked up bike riding just two years ago. Leading up to this weekend, I was nervous and unsure about what to expect for my first bike tour. Thanks to the support from friends, colleagues, and the Community Leader Award program, I embarked on a challenging fun-filled ride through beautiful Santa Barbara County, a place I am so fortunate to have called home for seven years. I challenged myself to ride the Media route, which took me along some of the most breathtaking scenery- literally! With every labored breath that I took through that nearly 70-mile stretch route, I questioned whether I was insane to be riding a bike this long. However, I mostly looked at the surrounding richly green canyons and felt immense gratitude for the opportunity to experience this place on two wheels. I felt supported by every crew member, rider, and friendly locals, who cheered on as I challenged my body through new extremes. Best of all, I made a ton of new friends with whom I now share such a memorable experience. Thanks, Climate Ride. See you out on the road!